Your-go-to tour guide for all things Detroit.

Nicole Curtis in front of the Grand House, posing with fans who came out to view her completed season 6 Detroit project.

Just happened to peruse Facebook Thursday and caught the post by Nicole Curtis announcing the upcoming Saturday afternoon open house for her “Grand House.” Located on East Grand Boulevard, this c.1914 home was featured earlier this year as part of season six of HGTV’s Rehab Addict of which Nicole is the star. Have to admit, don’t think I caught all the episodes. I saw enough, though, to interest me. It’s amazing how she transformed this 5,000 square-foot Tudor house which she purchased on a fluke through the Michigan Land Bank.

It’s always fun to watch the shows and then see the transformation in person. I was lucky enough to catch the open house for her N Campbell Street project a few seasons earlier. At that open house, I took lots of interior photos and shared them with all of you. Unfortunately, this time we had to sign wavers and snapping interior photos was prohibited. Although not happy about that rule, I figured she must have a good reason. I like what she does, so I chose to abide by her rules.

According to an article in today’s Detroit News, thousands of us lined up for an inside tour. Not sure if there were that many people. Not good at judging crowds. I do know there were a lot of us. When we arrived at 11:30 A, the line started wrapping around Charlevoix Street. Lots of people came after us. We made it through the house, waited in line to have our photo taken with Ms. Curtis, and were done by 2:15. Hope thousands did attend as she donates the $5 admission charge to a good cause.

Friend Julie and sis Liz standing in line. It was a rainy start to the day.Line for Nicole Curtis’s open house today snaked about 6 houses down E. Grand Blvd, then down Charlevoix.Beautiful home two doors down from the “Grand House.”Line is moving! Finally within site of Rehab Addict’s latest Detroit project.Releases signed. We are almost in!One more photo! Liz and Julie in front of the beautiful picture window.Beautiful glass French door leading into sun room.Back view of the “Grand House.”My sis Liz in front of this cool vintage truck. Behind it you’ll see seating area and back yard of “Grand House.”Vintage truck and garage belonging to “Grand House.”Crest window created by local artist Ann Baxter of Baxter Art Glass.Liz, Julie, Nicole Curtis “The Rehab Addict” and moi – Karin Risko, founder of Hometown History Tours.

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From Belle Isle to Eight Mile, down Woodward Avenue – an original American byway and site of the nation’s first mile of concrete highway, to Gate 4 of Ford’s infamous Rouge Plant bridge to the Gateway to Freedom at the river’s edge, Hometown History Tours reveals the stories of Detroit that beg to be told. Check out our tours here!